I'm not a fan of sporting events and am, admittedly, quite a dummy in this aspect. But with the Macau Grand Prix -- apparently quite a challenging track and the world's only street racing Grand Prix -- happening in my own backyard, how can I not even go for one session? So I bugged Kelly, who was in neighbouring Shenzhen for an event, to come over for the weekend. And so, off we went, 2 Grand Prix dummies who were absolutely clueless as to what was happening at the event.

Labels: macau

Guess where this is?

...
...
...
...
...
...

Yup, yet another indication of the diversity of cultures in China as a result of the political and military exploits of the Han Chinese and subsequent ruling empires centuries ago. This is yet another minority tribe in the region of Guangxi which borders Yunnan and Vietnam.

Call it naivety but sometimes I wonder, why can't humans just live in peace, harmony and contentment, even now?

Labels: hmmm, travel

I could live in Saigon. Not forever but its charm and potential would be an attractive draw for a couple of years.

The city has such a exotic blend of modernity and old world charm that makes it so indescribably enticing. Yes, one would have to be very, very, very patient but that is made up for by a population that is mostly very friendly and helpful. I would definitely want to come back again, if only for a weekend R&R.



And the food. Yum! Never tasted such yummy mini soon kueh until our local partners brought us to this little treasure trove tucked between 2 lanes. And the Vietnamese coffee is to die for!

And for after dinner drinks, the Saigon Bar atop Caravelle Hotel is a great place to revel in the sticky humid air of Saigon and watch the ang-mohs and Asian tourists mingle as a Filipino band plays on.

Labels: travel

I should really be working instead of blogging, given that I have a whole presentation due in a few hours and I have yet to start with it. But Vietnam -- the country who shares my year of birth -- fascinates me, so I am going to extend my procastination act by blogging about it.

First off, it was a joy to be able to check in my luggage and get my Cathay Pacific boarding pass at the Macau Ferry Terminal. That means no need to retrieve and re-check in my luggage after the hour long ferry ride to the Hong Kong International Airport.

And upon arrival at the Ho Chi Minh City airport, I discovered the privilege of being part of ASEAN for the very first time. Separate queues! Gasp, us passport holders of ASEAN countries actually get dedicated lanes Wow. Yipppeee. What joy!

But what impressed me most was the airport. It was cleaner, newer and more efficient than several airports that I've been to. Such as they who shall not be named.



Several of the older hotels have also been well preserved over the years, such as Hotel Continental and Hotel Majestic where I am staying at. Am so glad now that we couldn't get rooms at the Sheraton where our event is taking place. The service here was so excellent and personalized. Plus the hotel is so much more charming and beautiful. Think Raffles Hotel but more authentic.



My room overlooks the Saigon River but with the trees and electricity cables blocking the view outside the balcony, I have yet to discover how and why it is such an attraction.



Got a little lost searching for Lemongrass, a restaurant recommended by the hotel staff, but we finally find it tucked away in a little lane just opposite Gucci at the Sheraton. Needless to say, food was yummy.



And how can a girl not be distracted by the pretty wares for sale along the streets? Am quite certain that I overpaid for this shawl at US$14 but I was too lazy to haggle or think about it. Seriously, I hate to bargain. Since I like the colour and it's not too expensive... I just don't want to see the same thing selling for US$2 or US$5 at another spot in HCM...

Labels: travel